Senate Halts N-45 Tender Over Transparency Concerns

The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has instructed the National Highway Authority and other relevant departments to immediately suspend the tendering process for the N-45 Chakdara–Chitral Road project (Kalkatak–Chitral section) pending submission and review of complete project documentation.

During the committee session, chaired by Saifullah Abro, multiple development initiatives across the communications, energy, and urban sectors were examined, with particular emphasis on governance standards, transparency, and procedural compliance. Committee members expressed serious concerns regarding inconsistencies and gaps in the data presented for the N-45 project, characterising the disclosures as incomplete and insufficient for informed decision-making. It was further noted that the position of General Manager (P&CA) within the NHA remains vacant, raising additional administrative concerns.

The committee directed that the procurement process remain on hold until comprehensive feasibility studies, project layouts, and supporting documentation are formally submitted and scrutinised. It also highlighted procedural deficiencies, including the absence of designated project consultants during bid evaluation stages, and referenced a prior instance where the procurement process had been annulled following committee intervention. Senator Haji Hidayatullah raised concerns over recurring delays in the provision of essential documentation.

In addition, Senator Saifullah Abro proposed institutional reforms, including the establishment of a dedicated monitoring desk within the Economic Affairs Division to oversee tendering processes. He further recommended the inclusion of EAD representatives in procurement proceedings to strengthen transparency and accountability. The Secretary of Communications was directed to ensure that adequately briefed and authorised officials attend future committee meetings.

The committee also undertook a review of the 660MW coal-based power project at Jamshoro, supported by the Asian Development Bank. It was disclosed that the facility is currently operating with approximately 80% reliance on imported coal. Members emphasised the need to transition toward indigenous coal resources to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and questioned the lack of RLNG supply to the plant despite its geographical positioning.

Further deliberations included concerns over the disposal of thermal power plants through auction, which, according to members, could have been rehabilitated for continued use. The committee directed the Power Division to submit detailed records concerning such auctions and procurement data related to imported coal. Broader sectoral issues, including capacity payments to Independent Power Producers, solar licensing frameworks, electricity tariff structures, and load management practices, were also examined.

Separately, the committee reviewed the Competitive and Livable City of Karachi (CLICK) initiative, financed by the World Bank. Officials stated that the programme focuses on rehabilitating urban infrastructure through local government mechanisms. The committee chairman recommended the implementation of geotagging mechanisms for all project components to enhance transparency and prevent duplication.

It was further reported that the UIPT Survey 2025 conducted under the CLICK project has identified approximately 4.4 million property units, thereby significantly expanding the documented tax base. The Economic Affairs Division was instructed to coordinate with the Sindh government to ensure active participation of senior officials in future proceedings and to furnish complete procurement and tendering records for all related schemes.